COURTSHIP

Some animals perform complex rituals to attract a mate.
These displays, performed during the breeding season, are known as courtship.
Usually it is the males that perform. They may court one female or several in
turn. Sometimes groups of males perform at a particular spot, called a lek,
with females visiting to select a mate. Some animals have only one partner
throughout their life. They do not need to perform a display, but they do need
to keep a strong bond with their partners.

COLOURFUL PLUMAGE

In some species, males and females look very different. Sometimes
the difference is only a matter of size, but during the breeding season other
differences may appear. In birds such as peacocks, the males develop elaborate
tail feathers, which they fan out and quiver to attract females.

MOCK DUAL

In some birds, the males and females both perform a series of
courtship rituals. Great blue herons raise their necks and feathers and dual
with each other, shaking twigs and calling out to one another. The feathers of
both sexes change to a similar colour during the breeding season, though the
males’ are usually more brightly coloured.

BONDING THROUGH GROOMING

Golden lion tamarins mate for life so they do not need to waste
energy on courtship displays. They do, however, spend time bonding with their
partners by grooming (cleaning) one another. These tamarins live in family
groups of about four to eight members. The males help bring up the young, and
older siblings also help out so they can learn about parenting.

MATING CALLS

Male frogs and toads call out to attract females to their breeding
pond or stream. Each species has its own call, which helps a female to find a
mate of the same species in the breeding pool if it is used by several species
at once. Many species, such as the Brazilian torrent frog, have expanding vocal
pouches which make their calls loud and clear. These frogs also kick their legs
out during courtship displays.

ANOLE LIZARD

Like birds, many male lizards become more brightly coloured during
the breeding season, despite the fact they may be more easily seen by
predators. However, the male anole lizards are different. They have permanent
colourful dewlaps under their throats that remain hidden unless they are being
used to attract females.

RUTTING RED DEER

In autumn, stags (male deer) start to gather harems (groups) of
females to mate with. They fiercely defend these harems from rival males.
Usually the larger males with the bigger antlers have their pick of the
females. Males of the same size battle to decide which of them will remain with
the females and which males must retreat.

LEAVING A SCENT

Male orchid bees attract females by marking a spot, or lek, with
their particular scent. The females that are attracted by the smell fly to the
lek, and mate with a male. Birds that attract females by singing or displays
may also use leks. Some hoofed mammals use leks when they mark their territory
with urine and faeces.